Pakistan’s administrative landscape has undergone significant transformations since its inception in 1947, culminating in the establishment of its current four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These changes were driven by political, administrative, and regional considerations that aimed to create a more balanced and efficient governance structure.
The One Unit Scheme: A Unified West Pakistan
In the early years following independence, Pakistan faced challenges in administering its two geographically and culturally distinct wings—East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) and West Pakistan. To address these challenges, the government introduced the One Unit Scheme in 1955, merging the provinces and territories of West Pakistan into a single administrative entity. This move aimed to reduce administrative expenses and eliminate provincial prejudices. However, it faced resistance from various ethnic groups who felt their identities and interests were being suppressed under a centralized system.
Dissolution of One Unit and Restoration of Provinces
The centralized structure of the One Unit Scheme led to dissatisfaction among diverse ethnic communities, particularly in regions like Sindh and Balochistan, where there was a strong desire for greater autonomy. In response to growing demands for provincial recognition and autonomy, the One Unit policy was dissolved in 1970 by President General Yahya Khan. This dissolution restored the original provinces, allowing for more localized governance and addressing the concerns of various ethnic groups.
Post-Dissolution Developments
Following the dissolution of the One Unit Scheme, Pakistan’s western wing was reorganized into four provinces:
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Punjab: Encompassing the region of West Punjab and the princely state of Bahawalpur.
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Sindh: Including the former Sind Province and the state of Khairpur.
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Balochistan: Formed from the Baluchistan Chief Commissioner’s Province, the Baluchistan States Union (comprising Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makran), and the enclave of Gwadar.
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North-West Frontier Province (NWFP): Consisting of the former NWFP, along with the princely states of Amb, Phulra, Chitral, Dir, and Swat.
This reorganization aimed to provide a more equitable representation of the country’s diverse ethnic and linguistic groups, thereby promoting political stability and unity.
Conclusion
The division of Pakistan into four provinces was a result of evolving administrative strategies and the need to accommodate the country’s diverse population. The initial One Unit Scheme sought to create administrative efficiency but ultimately led to increased regional tensions. Its dissolution and the subsequent restoration of provinces allowed for greater regional autonomy and recognition of ethnic identities, shaping the federal structure of Pakistan as it exists today.
